First Flight is a piece for Wind Symphony composed in 2012.
This work was my master’s thesis while at The Hartt School. In this work I wanted to write something fast, fun, and full of life. The work germinates from the upward fifth motif in the beginning. This idea grows into the main melodic line while adding variations and exploring different paths. The title First Flight was inspired by the feeling of motion and flying. Although this piece has no concrete programmatic element, this piece reminded me of taking flight.
Special thanks to Steven Gryc, Robert Carl, and Larry Alan Smith for their guidance during my time at The Hartt School. Thank you to Steve Squires for premiering this piece in Chicago with the Chicago College of Performing Arts Wind Symphony.
Woodwinds
piccolo
flutes I, II
oboes I, II
English Horn
B-flat clarinets I, II
B-flat bass clarinet
E-flat alto saxophone
B-flat tenor saxophone
E-flat baritone saxophone
bassoon I, II
contrabassoon
Brass
B-flat trumpets I, II, III
F-horns I, II, III, IV
trombones I, II
bass trombone
euphonium
tuba
Timpani: 32”, 29”, 26”, 24”
Percussion I: xylophone, bongos, tambourine, glockenspiel (shared)
Percussion II: vibraphone, glockenspiel (shared), congas (shared), djembe
Percussion III: marimba, glockenspiel (shared), congas (shared)
Percussion IV: tam-tam, tambourine, pedal bass drum, marimba (shared), suspended cymbal, large bass drum, crotales
